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UPSC CSAT 2023 Question Paper PDF: Download Set Wise Paper With Answer Key
IMPORTANT LINKS
UPSC CSAT Question Paper 2023 PDF is now available to download for all the aspirants who will be appearing for the upcoming UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. The UPSC Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) 2023 was conducted on May 28, 2023, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. The CSAT, also known as General Studies Paper 2, is the second stage of the UPSC Prelims. It is a qualifying paper consisting of 80 objective-type questions for a total of 200 marks. Candidates are required to secure a minimum of 33% (66 marks) in the CSAT to qualify for the Mains examination. The CSAT evaluates the candidates’ analytical ability, logical reasoning, comprehension, decision-making, and basic numeracy skills. The 2023 paper was noted for its moderate to difficult level, with particular emphasis on reading comprehension and logical reasoning sections.
All the UPSC aspirants must download and practice using the UPSC CSAT Question 2023 PDF to self-evaluate their preparation, derive insights from past CSAT Papers, and strategize for future attempts.
UPSC CSAT 2023
The Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) 2023, also known as General Studies Paper-II, was conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on May 28, 2023, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM as the second paper of UPSC Prelims 2023. This two-hour paper consisted of 80 objective-type questions, asked for a total of 200 marks. The CSAT is a qualifying exam in the UPSC Civil Services Prelims. This means that marks obtained in the CSAT are not cumulated in the final score of Prelims. However, candidates are required to obtain a minimum qualifying 33% marks to qualify for the Mains stage. The CSAT assesses candidates' analytical ability, logical reasoning, decision-making, comprehension, and basic numeracy skills. The CSAT Question Paper 2023 was noted for its moderate to difficult level.
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CSAT Question Paper 2023 PDF Download
Aspirants preparing for the upcoming UPSC Prelims on 25 May, 2025 must download the CSAT Question Paper 2023 PDF with solutions to analyze the difficulty level of the paper and derive insights. The UPSC CSAT 2023 Question Paper is available for download in PDF format in the table given below. Practicing with the official CSAT Question Paper 2023 is highly recommended for candidates to understand the nuances of the exam and to strategize effectively for future attempts. Download set-wise CSAT Question Paper 2023 PDF below –
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UPSC CSAT 2023 Question Paper PDF |
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Paper |
Set |
PDF Link |
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UPSC CSAT 2023 Question Paper (GS 2) |
SET A |
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SET B |
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Also read –
CSAT Question Paper 2023 PDF Download in Hindi
Aspirants who will be appearing for the Civil Services Prelims in Hindi medium can download the CSAT 2023 Question Paper in Hindi from the table given below –
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UPSC CSAT 2023 Question Paper PDF in Hindi |
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CSAT 2023 Question Paper in Hindi |
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Also download year-wise UPSC Answer Key to self-evaluate your preparation!
CSAT 2023 Question Paper With Solutions
Candidates solving CSAT Previous Year Papers must download the official Answer Key or Solutions PDF to tally their responses. The following is the official set-wise Answer Key for CSAT 2023 Question Paper for your easy reference -
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CSAT 2023 Question Paper SET |
Direct Download Link |
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Set A |
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Set B |
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Set C |
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Set D |
Watch UPSC CSAT Question Paper 2023 With Solutions Analysis
CSAT Question Paper 2023: Topic Wise Weightage
In the UPSC CSAT Question Paper 2023, there were a total of 80 questions from Maths, Logical & Analytical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. The following is the topic wise distribution of number of questions asked in CSAT 2023 Paper –
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UPSC CSAT Question Paper 2023 Topic Wise Weightage |
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Topic |
Number of Questions |
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Math & Basic Numeracy |
37 |
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Logical & Analytical Reasoning |
15 |
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Reading Comprehension |
28 |
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Decision Making |
0 |
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Data Interpretation |
0 |
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Total |
80 Questions |
As per expert analysis, the following is an analysis of the topic-wise weightage and sub-topics asked in the CSAT Paper 2023 –
- Reading Comprehension: Approximately 27 questions (33.75%) assessed candidates' ability to understand and interpret passages.
- Basic Numeracy: Around 37 questions (46.25%) tested mathematical skills, including topics like percentages, ratios, and time and work.
- Logical and Analytical Reasoning: Approximately 13-14 questions (16.25%) evaluated reasoning abilities through puzzles, seating arrangements, and series completion.
- Data Interpretation: About 2 questions (2.5%) focused on interpreting data from tables and graphs.
Also find out UPSC Prelims Subject Wise Weightage for GS 1 and CSAT.
CSAT 2023 Question Paper Difficulty Level
Based on CSAT Previous Year Question Papers Analysis by experts and feedback from candidates, the CSAT Question Paper 2023 was observed to have a lengthy and challenging Reading Comprehension section. The logical reasoning and analytical ability sections were also noted to be more complex as compared to previous years. However, the basic numeracy section remained relatively straightforward. The following is an approximate distribution of questions in CSAT 2023 by number of questions –
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UPSC CSAT Question Paper 2023 Difficulty Level |
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Level of Difficulty |
% of Questions |
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Easy Questions |
30% |
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Moderate Questions |
50% |
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Difficult Questions |
20% |
Estimate your Prelims Marks with UPSC Marks Calculator & UPSC Negative Marking Calculator.
How to Download UPSC CSAT Question Paper 2023?
The UPSC CSAT Question Paper 2023 is now available to download on the Testbook platform. Follow the steps given below to get your copy of the CSAT 2023 Question Paper from Testbook –
- Step 1: Go to the official Testbook website or download the Testbook App.
- Step 2: Sign in or create your account.
- Step 3: Go to the previous year's papers section.
- Step 4: Search for the "UPSC CSAT 2023” in the Exam section.
- Step 5: A list of the previous year's papers will open up. Choose the PDF you want to open.
- Step 6: Download the PDF and save it for your reference.
We hope you found this UPSC CSAT Question Paper 2023 useful in your exam preparation! Download the Testbook App now to get last-minute preparation tips and best-in-class study materials, test series and expert coaching for IAS Preparation!
UPSC CSAT Question Paper 2023 FAQs
What topics are covered in the CSAT 2023 paper?
The CSAT Question Paper 2023 had questions on – Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Analytical Ability, Basic Numeracy and Decision Making.
How was the difficulty level of the CSAT 2023 paper?
The CSAT 2023 paper was considered moderately difficult. Candidates reported that the reading comprehension passages were lengthy and challenging. The logical reasoning and analytical ability sections were also noted to be more complex compared to previous years. However, the basic numeracy section remained relatively straightforward.
Where can I download the CSAT 2023 question paper and answer key?
The official UPSC CSAT 2023 question paper and answer key can be downloaded from the UPSC's official website. Candidates can also download the CSAT Question Paper 2023 PDF along with set wise answer key from the above article.
What was the cutoff for CSAT 2023?
The CSAT paper is a qualifying exam, and candidates need to score at least 33% (66 out of 200) to be considered for the General Studies Paper-I evaluation.
What is the significance of the CSAT paper in the UPSC Prelims 2023?
The CSAT is a qualifying paper in the UPSC Prelims. While it doesn't contribute to the final merit list, candidates must secure a minimum of 33% marks (66 out of 200) in order for their GS Paper 1 Answer Sheet to be evaluated.